The strained relationship between India and the Maldives was highlighted during a recent meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries in New Delhi. India expressed its desire for the Maldives to ease tensions and improve their relationship. The meeting comes amid a deadline set by the Maldives’ new president, Mohamed Muizzu, for India to withdraw its soldiers from the archipelago nation. Tensions have been growing between the two countries since pro-China Muizzu came to power last year.
During the meeting, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized India’s role as a key provider of development assistance to the Maldives, including infrastructure projects, medical care, and health facilities. He highlighted the importance of reaching an understanding on how best to move the relationship forward. The response from Maldives’ Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer was not immediately known. The strategic location of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean has led to a competition for influence between regional powers India and China.
Reports indicate that India has withdrawn 51 of its soldiers in two batches from the Maldives, out of a total of 75 stationed in the country. The soldiers assisted in operations such as rescuing people stranded at sea and were involved in operating two aircraft donated by India. Muizzu has taken steps to have civilians take over these activities, signaling a shift in the relationship between the two countries. Both sides have been working to ensure the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms in the Maldives.
President Muizzu ran on a campaign theme of “India out,” criticizing his predecessor for giving India too much influence and compromising national sovereignty. After taking office, he visited China before India and emphasized that Maldives would not tolerate bullying despite its small size. Muizzu outlined plans to reduce dependence on India for health facilities, education, and medicines. However, India has been actively involved in infrastructure projects in the Maldives, including the construction of a bridge connecting the capital city, Male, with surrounding islands, and the development of housing.
India has also extended financial assistance to the Maldives for various infrastructure projects and signed agreements for cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, disaster management, and fishing zone forecasting. The Maldives joined China’s “Belt and Road” initiative in 2013, aiming to enhance trade and expand China’s influence across regions. The competition for influence in the Maldives between India and China reflects the broader strategic interests of both countries in the geopolitically significant Indian Ocean region. Going forward, it remains to be seen how the relationship between India and the Maldives will evolve amid these geopolitical dynamics.
